By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst
bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com
Sept. 29, 2009

Running back Marcus Lattimore from Duncan (S.C.) Byrnes, the No. 10 prospect on the ESPNU 150, remains one of the key targets as Joe Paterno tries to round out what is already a super 2010 recruiting class.

Lattimore visited Penn State in early August.  At that time he said he narrowed his list of approximately 30 scholarship offers down to five schools, Penn State, Oregon, South Carolina, Auburn and North Carolina.

However, Lattimore’s list has grown slightly.

“It’s seven now,” Lattimore said.  “It’s Oregon, Penn State, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Auburn and Florida State.”

Lattimore at one time had official visits set to Penn State Oct. 10 and Oregon Oct. 31.  However, he has juggled his schedule around.

“I’m going to Florida State Oct. 10,” Lattimore said.  “I have Auburn Oct. 31 and Penn State Nov. 7.  I’ll visit Oregon sometime in January now.  I haven’t picked my fifth visit yet.”

Lattimore feels he does not necessarily need to make an official visit to South Carolina.

“I think I’ll go to a North Carolina game,” Lattimore said.  “And I’ll probably go to two South Carolina games.

“Those seven schools will probably be there until I visit Oregon.  I’ll name a top three in January.”

Lattimore watched the Penn State-Iowa game on television.

“I thought (Penn State) should have won,” he said.  “That is not to take anything away from Iowa.  Penn State probably should have run the ball a little more.  I know Daryll Clark really wanted to win that game after they lost to them last year.  But things happen.”

The 6-foot and 215-pound Lattimore rushed for 2,320 yards during his junior season.  He averaged 7.6 yards per carry and had 30 touchdowns.

Lattimore and his teammates have a huge game on Friday as Byrnes travels to the Sunshine State to take on Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas.  The game, which kicks off at 8 p.m. EST, will be televised on ESPNU.

Kurelic’s Comment:  Things are not getting any easier in Joe Paterno’s quest to land Lattimore.  However, the Nittany Lions absolutely continue to have a shot at the super running back.